Ethnology of Tokelau Islands
Ta Paki—Songs for Dances Performed with Dance Paddles
Ta Paki—Songs for Dances Performed with Dance Paddles
I
Te kanave tau kailove,
Te kanave tau kailove,
Te fia vaka vakai e.
Toss the handle of the paddle,
Toss the handle of the paddle,
Wishing to look for the canoe.
II
Holiholia vaka heua
E uhu Tonga,
E voliao.
Manu afe
Ie ie e lua.
Step in time, turning the canoe about (?)
To start a journey to Tonga,
To dance.
A thousand birds
Point to things (point out the way).
III
Ta paki ko tu mai.
Ko te paki na holitia
Mai.
Kapuna kapunake lea
Ko te paki katele ki Uea.
The dance paddle stands near.
The dance paddle standing near
Is stepped on.
Rising to the surface
The dance paddle sails to Uvea.